Natalie Labbee
Natalie Labbee is running for Councillor in Ward 7 in Greater Sudbury.
Natalie Labbee (she/her) is a proud wife, mother, and community builder with more than 30 years of professional experience in municipal government, education, community development, and the nonprofit sector. She has worked for three municipalities, led a federal youth volunteer and regional community development initiative, and taught students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. She has also worked to improve the quality of life for older adults and currently serves as CEO of the Sudbury Food Bank, helping individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. With more than 40 years of volunteer experience, Natalie has dedicated much of her life to serving others, mentoring community members, and strengthening the communities she calls home.
Why are you running for this position?
Serving as YOUR Ward 7 Councillor has been one of the most honourable experiences of my life. I have had the opportunity to meet incredible people, build lasting relationships, and work alongside residents who care deeply about our communities. Politics is not easy, but I’ve learned that being a Councillor isn’t just about council meetings or setting policy. It’s always about people. I’m seeking re-election because I genuinely love this work and believe there is still more we can accomplish together. I care deeply about our municipality, our families, our rural communities, and the future we are building for the next generation.
Over the past four years, I’ve worked hard to be accessible, approachable, and responsive. Whether through a phone call, email, a community event, or a conversation in the grocery store, I’ve always believed residents deserve a Councillor who listens and shows up.
I’m asking for another term because I believe in the potential of our City. There is still important work ahead, and I want to continue advocating for responsible growth, strong communities, fiscal responsibility, and a high quality of life for residents across Greater Sudbury. Most of all, I want to continue being a strong voice for the people I am privileged to serve.
What do you love most about your community?
What I love most about Ward 7 is its people. Serving the communities of Capreol, Garson, Falconbridge, Skead, and Kukagami over the last four years has been one of the greatest honours of my life. While Ward 7 is the largest ward geographically (at over 1174 kms of roadways!), its true strength lies in the residents who consistently step up to support one another and make their communities thrive.
Ward 7 offers an incredible mix of rural, semi-urban, waterfront, mining, and growing residential areas, with many of Greater Sudbury’s beautiful lakes and natural spaces found right here. I am proud to support efforts to protect these landscapes while celebrating the vibrant community spirit that defines the ward.
From service clubs, seniors' groups, neighbourhood and cottagers' associations, the Northern Ontario Railway Museum & Heritage Centre, beautification volunteers, and our two Royal Canadian Legions, there is an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Even since amalgamation in 2001, each community has maintained its unique identity and strong sense of pride, continuing to advocate for what matters most. That resilience, volunteerism, and community spirit are what make Ward 7 such a special place to live, serve, and call home.
If elected, what is one thing you would like to accomplish during your term?
My goal is to continue rebuilding trust in local government by leading with respect, transparency, and accountability. Since 2022, I have worked to restore decorum in our Council chambers and use my platform to share factual information, combat misinformation, and engage openly with residents, even when those conversations have been difficult. I want every person in Greater Sudbury to feel informed, heard, and confident that their local leaders are making decisions thoughtfully, respectfully, and in the best interests of our communities. Trust is earned through actions, and I will continue leading by example and challenging the issues that matter most to residents in order to strengthen public confidence in City Hall.
What does having more women in local leadership change?
For me, having more women in leadership leads to better decisions because it brings more perspectives, lived experiences, and voices to the table. As one of only four women elected to Greater Sudbury City Council in 2022, I've never been afraid to speak up, ask difficult questions, or challenge the status quo when I believe there's a better path forward. Representation matters, not only because it reflects the communities we serve, but because diverse viewpoints create stronger, more balanced outcomes. Leadership is about courage, accountability, and being a trusted steward for the people who elect us. When women are at the table, communities benefit from broader thinking, meaningful collaboration, and decisions that better serve everyone.
What is something about you that you would like voters to know that they might not learn from your campaign platform?
I am honoured to share that I have been selected as one of three Women of Influence for 2026 in Municipal Leadership by Municipal World magazine, a national recognition celebrating the accomplishments of women in municipal government across Canada.
This honour is especially meaningful because it reflects the hard work, perseverance, and leadership that have defined my journey over the past four years. Public service is not always easy, and I have faced my share of challenges, criticism, and personal attacks. But I have never let those obstacles distract me from serving my community with integrity and purpose.
I will never apologize for having ambition or for striving to make a difference. To be recognized in this way is both humbling and validating, and I am proud that Greater Sudbury will be represented on a national stage when the feature is published this November.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. This recognition belongs not only to me, but to the community I am privileged to serve.
Where can people find you?
Facebook: @LabbeeForWard7
Instagram: @therealnatalie1975
Website: www.natalielabbee.ca
